Deputies arrest stolen plane suspect
"He is extremely lucky," Deputy Chief Charles Wagner says.
That's what Brazoria County's deputy chief says about Louis Paul Kadlecek.
Kadlecek was arrested on third-degree felony burglary charges for breaking into the Brazoria County Airport Sunday morning, and stealing and then crashing a Cessna plane.
"This morning when the officer came to pick him up, he came out ready to go to jail," Wagner says.
The 21-year-old was taken into custody after a tip call from a viewer who saw his sketch on TV.
"We got lots of tips. We were able to identify a suspect, and get him arrested," Wagner says.
Kadlecek says he had been out drinking heavily Saturday, and decided to see if he could go for a joyride in a plane.
“He taxied one plane around the airport, just taking it on a ride around there. Brought it back, parked it. Got in this one and was just taxiing it around the airport when all of a sudden he said why not go for it, revved the engine up. When he thought it was revved up enough, he pulled back on it and it took off. Taking off's not that hard. It's getting back down that's the problem," Wagner says.
He had never flown before.
"Both planes had the manuals out on the front seat," Wagner says.
The incident calls into question the security at the local airport.
"It's very disturbing,” Wagner says. “We're meeting tomorrow morning to discuss security measures at the airport."
In addition to the third-degree felony burglary charge, the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department is looking into whether additional charges may be filed for the break-ins of those other hangars. The federal government is looking into whether they want to press charges as well.
Kadlecek is no stranger to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department.
He has a long history of charges for theft, assault, drugs, DWI and stolen vehicles.
So far, he has not served any prison time for any of his crimes.
If convicted of the plane theft, he can receive two to 20 years in jail.